Hundreds of people from parishes across the Diocese joined a special event on 10 May, at Norwich Cathedral for a Rogation Sunday Festival Evensong giving thanks for God’s creation and celebrating the progress of parishes across the diocese in the Eco Church survey programme.
“Rooted in the ancient tradition of walking the land in prayer, we gathered to bless the earth, honour faithful action, and renew our shared commitment to creation care. With a variety of stalls from environmental organisations, a chance to picnic in the Cathedral Garth, and a joyful procession out of Evensong around the Close, we celebrated being part of a growing movement of churches seeking to live out the gospel through practical love for God’s world,” explained Barbara Bryant, Diocesan Environment Officer.
“Parishes were represented from all points of the Diocese from Heacham to Oulton Broad,” she continued. “Some brought beautifully crafted banners created using upcycled or re-used materials. Stories of challenge and triumph were shared and a renewed sense of purpose in our calling to embed the fifth mark of mission in our church communities.”
The Revd Joshua Whitnall, Rector of the Gayton, Grimston, Massingham and District Benefice, provided a wonderful focal point with sheep from his flock that proved a great attraction for visitors who were surprised to come across them in the Cathedral Garth!
Eco stalls offering a wide variety of resources and advice were provided by Butterfly Conservation, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Norwich Swift Network, Our Power, The Conservation Volunteers, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Care of Church Buildings, Children Youth & Families and Environmental teams from the Diocese’s Parish Support Team.
The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, Dean of Norwich said: “‘It was wonderful to celebrate 10 years of the Eco Church programme, and welcome to the Cathedral many of those involved in our local churches. They are doing important and inspiring work as, together, we seek to care for creation.“
A stirring Evensong service was full of scriptural and musical references to the beauty of God’s Creation and this theme was carried on out in a Procession along Bishopsgate, pausing at Bishop’s Bridge to pray for the river and sing. Then it was along the River Walk, pausing at Pulls Ferry to pray for the city, singing Great is Thy Faithfulness and then walking on to the final prayer station in the Lower Close green.
You can watch the Evensong service here: Norwich Cathedral – Eco-Church Festival Evensong with Rogationtide Procession
Have you started your Eco Church journey yet? Register as an Eco Church or find out more at: https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/
Sign-up for our Eco Newsletter here
Join the conversation on our Facebook group here
Watch the message from Bishop Graham here
For any further help, contact barbara.bryant@dioceseofnorwich.org